German Shepherd dogs, as well as the other herding breeds that we have in rescue, are highly active, energetic, working breeds. They require considerable vetting, exercise, socialization, training, leadership and mental stimuli in order to be well-adjusted, well-balanced, and well-mannered dogs. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings in order to work on his/her leash skills, manners, and social skills. These breeds make great additions to active families who will pamper them, but who will also work with them, as they are smart dogs who need leadership, structure, plenty of activity and mental stimulation. 

If you are new to German Shepherds (and other herding breeds), please research the breed to make sure this is the dog for you. We ask that you consider the time and financial commitment that your German Shepherd (or other herding breed) dog will require before applying for one. Please review the section on our website (www.heartlandgsrescue.org) "Is a HUGS Dog Right for You?" for additional information.

Prior to rescue, Monona and her 3 babies had been abandoned by a country road in Oklahoma, and were about to be find themselves in trouble if they couldn't find help in a hurry. We are so glad that we were able to get to them before anything happened to them. They are the most adorable little family. Monona is incredibly sweet and she was immediately grateful and relieved to get to safety with her babies. All four have been thriving in their foster homes, and will need forever homes of their own!

Monona is happiest sitting in a lap while getting all the scratches and pets you can give her. She will reward you with a giant smile and sleepy-looking eyes. She is very petite and so she fits well in a lap! She absolutely loves to be petted and gently cuddled. In fact, if you stop too soon, she may give you a small loving chin nip to tell you she is not done with her attention session! She is doing well in the kennel and seems to be potty trained. She is pretty e enjoys carrying stuffed animals but is gentle and does not tear them up. Monona enjoys her walks but she is pretty mellow for a young Australian Cattle Dog. She has done well with both cats and dogs in the foster home. She is a wonderful rider in the car, walks well on a leash, and appears to be potty-trained. She is an absolute delight. She can be a little bit shy when meeting new people, but warms up quickly with proper introductions. She is an all-around super sweet girl who will steal your heart! If you are looking for a smart, very affectionate and interactive best friend, this petite girl is truly lovely, and will make a wonderful addition to a very lucky home.

Monona's adoption fee is $350, all of which goes back into offseting our high-cost vetting expenses and rescuing more dogs.  We are a 100% volunteer-run rescue group and rely on adoption fees and donations to continue saving lives. Adoption fees include spay/neuter, current on age-appropriate vaccinations, fecal, deworming, flea/tick and heartworm preventative, heartworm tested if old enough (and treated if positive), and microchipped. Please visit http://heartlandgsrescue.rescuegroups.org/info/adoption for more information about our adoption process and requirements, and to apply.

Like all Cattle Dogs, GSDs, and other herding breeds and mixes, Monona will need positive reinforcement training, consistency, boundaries, activity and socialization. Monona's ideal home will be a household with a good routine and prior Australian Cattle Dog (or other herding breed) experience. Like any of our dogs, sweet Monona will make a great addition to an active home that will provide the love, structure, activity and mental stimulation that her breed requires. Even if you exercise and play with your dog daily in your fenced yard, please remember that you MUST still take your dog out on daily walks and outings, in order to provide sufficient stimulation, ward off boredom, and work on leash skills and manners.